Matthew Pouliot

Strike Zone

Free Agency Preview - Hitters

Following up last week's column, here's a revised look at this winter's free agent hitters. I also have trade candidates, non-tender candidates and future free agents listed.

Catchers

Jason Varitek (Red Sox) - Scott Boras can keep talking big, but since the Red Sox aren't going to bid against themselves, he simply has to find another interested party. The Dodgers aren't biting, and the Tigers have little money and bigger priorities. Meanwhile, the longer he opts to wait, the more likely it is that the Red Sox will pull off a trade for a young catcher. The Red Sox would probably prefer to have Varitek back even if they do go get a Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Miguel Montero, but it's not going to be for three or four years and a pay cut will have to be involved.

Ivan Rodriguez (Yankees) - Rodriguez will skate into the Hall of Fame once he's been retired for five years, but free agency has never gone quite as planned for the soon-to-be 37-year-old catcher. Following the 2002 season, he remained unsigned until the end of January before settling on a one-year deal with the Marlins. A year later, it looked like he might end up with a one-year deal again before he inked a four-year contract on Feb. 3 with a Tigers team coming off a 43-119 season. History suggests that Rodriguez will take the top offer on the table, regardless of where it comes from. Still, it doesn't seem very likely that anyone will go to two years. Both the Marlins and Tigers have openings, but neither team wants him back. If the Yankees offer him arbitration, it's quite likely that he'd accept it.

I'm guessing Blanco will join Varitek as the only catchers to get multiyear deals this winter. He could stay with the Cubs as Geovany Soto's backup, but it's also possible that the Tigers will look at him as a starter. … Detroit will probably end up signing two of these guys. I think Ross would be the best option as a regular, but pairing an upside guy like Barrett or Bard with a reliable defender in Blanco could work out well.

The Diamondbacks still appear more likely to trade Montero than Snyder, but with their financial situation seemingly fairly dire, they'll have to consider all possibilities. Given his defensive reputation and consecutive solid offensive seasons, Snyder could bring in a talented young arm, perhaps a Homer Bailey or Justin Masterson. … Shoppach, Clement and Teagarden all qualify as long shots to be dealt. The Rangers seem quite a bit more likely to part with Salty. … Paulino could be a cheap starter for Detroit or Florida. Judging by how they treated him in September, the Pirates won't ask for much in return.

Mark Teixeira (Angels) - Teixeira only further boosted his stock by hitting .358/.449/.632 in 193 at-bats for the Angels and then going 7-for-15 in his first postseason series versus the Red Sox. Still, the chances of him receiving an eight- to 10-year megadeal may have decreased. The Yankees seem to be focused more on pitching, and the Angels probably won't be willing to do such a lengthy contract. The Orioles or perhaps even the Nationals might, but if Teixeira wants to be on a team with a chance to win in 2009, he may have to settle for five or six years. While I think it's too early to count out the Yankees or Red Sox, it looks like the Angels are in the driver's seat. They have the money to commit to him with Francisco Rodriguez likely on the way out, and winning now is expected to be a priority for Teixeira.

Previous prediction: Yankees - nine years, $200 million New prediction: Angels - six years, $132 million

Jason Giambi (Yankees) - Giambi remains an offensive force, but his 876 OPS in 2008 was his worst in a healthy season since 1998 and he turns 38 in January. Also, it's a risky proposition signing him as a DH, considering his career OPS is 125 points worse there than when he's played first base. Fortunately, that really hasn't been an issue the last couple of years, suggesting that he's learned to adapt to spending most of the game in the dugout. He's even excelled in his very limited pinch-hitting opportunities lately, going 6-for-16 with three homers the last two years. Giambi would seem to be a very good fit in Toronto or in Texas if Milton Bradley leaves. Oakland stopped making sense as a destination with the Matt Holliday addition.

Nomar Garciaparra (Dodgers) - Garciaparra hasn't ruled out retirement at age 35, but after a poor 2007, he did contribute offensively when he was able to play last season. He was especially hot down the stretch, going 10-for-23 with two homers and six walks in September. He even managed not to embarrass himself when asked to return to shortstop, though his next team swon't look at him as more than an emergency option at the position. At this point, Garciaparra should be penciled in as a first baseman, third baseman or DH against lefties and part-time player versus righties. Three teams with left-handed hitting first basemen and injury-prone third basemen look like fits: Atlanta, Oakland and Toronto.

Hinske was one of the Rays' best hitters last season, but the team decided it had no use for him at all once the postseason rolled around. He'll likely move on, and he could help a White Sox team that's especially short on left-handed hitters after parting with Nick Swisher. … Floyd is expected to weigh retirement. If he comes back, it could be with the Rays. … Most of the rest of these guys are potential part-time players, but Thomas and Sexson are clear exceptions. They don't have anything to offer unless they're regulars, and it may be that neither will be guaranteed a job. I don't think Thomas is done as a useful DH, but there are so few possible fits for him. Sexson, at least, can still potentially hook up with an NL team. Maybe he'll join the Nationals as additional Nick Johnson/Dmitri Young insurance.

The Angels need to either play Morales or trade him. Another trip back to the PCL won't do him any good. It's possible thae he'd get a chance to stick around as a DH if Teixeira re-signs. … A Fielder trade is pretty unlikely, but he remains on the list. Ryan Howard, on the other hand, has been removed. He's completely safe following the Phillies' World Series victory. … The Royals are calling Mike Jacobs their new first baseman, but like Butler, he's a born DH. It's possible that they would move Butler if the right offer came along. They would, however, be crazy to sell him without getting another potential star in return. Butler for Saltalamacchia would actually make some sense for both teams.

Orlando Hudson (Diamondbacks) - Hudson has suffered season-ending injuries the last two years and played in 145 games just once in his six full years as a major leaguer, but that shouldn't prevent him from receiving a contract worth about $10 million per year. He had OPSs in the 800-820 range in all three of his seasons in Arizona, and he's still a fine defender, even if he's entered the phase of his career in which he's not going to deserve the Gold Glove awards he'll continue to win. The White Sox, Mets, Cardinals, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Cubs, Giants, Nationals, Royals, Padres and Rockies appear to be the teams most likely to sign second basemen this winter. The Indians and Mariners are also possibilities if they decide to rearrange their infields. Hudson would probably prefer to be with the Mets if the money is there, but my guess is that he ends up in the AL Central with the Indians or White Sox.

Jeff Kent (Dodgers) - Maybe he wouldn't be a full-time second baseman any longer, but Kent could almost certainly help a contender as a part-timer and his old team in San Francisco could do worse at first base. Still, he's probably going to call it a career at age 40. We could be looking at an unbelievably deep class of Hall of Fame candidates come 2014.

Previous prediction: RetirementNew prediction: Retirement

Felipe Lopez (Cardinals) - Lopez went from .234/.305/.314 in 325 at-bats for the Nationals to .385/.426/.538 in 156 at-bats for the Cardinals, putting him back in line for a starting job in 2009. Unfortunately, he seems to think that also entitles him to a multiyear contract, even though he was a pretty dreadful player for more than a year and a half previously. That no one is going to look at him as a starting shortstop hurts his chances of getting one. It still seems fairly likely that he'll end up back with the Cards on a one-year deal.

Ray Durham (Brewers) - Durham showed that his down 2007 was an aberration by hitting .289/.380/.432 for the Giants and Brewers last season, but he gives back with his glove everything that he contributes over the average second baseman with his bat. As an occasional starter at second, first and DH, he could be fairly valuable. He'd fit nicely with the Yankees, Royals and A's in the AL.

The Diamondbacks will likely go bargain hunting and could end up with two of these guys. Players like Grudzy, Loretta and Easley can't be counted on to start 140 games, but having two members of the group split time could work out fine. … Iguchi wants to play regularly, so he might end up back in Japan.

The Marlins have already traded four of their arbitration-eligible players, but they say they're keeping Uggla. Time will tell. … Roberts could be pursued by both Chicago teams and the Mets. The Orioles figure to make one more attempt to lock him up beyond 2009 before they consider dealing him. … Cano is likely to stay in New York. He's owed $25 million over the next three years, so it's quite possible the Padres would want nothing to do with him as part of a Jake Peavy deal.

Following up last week's column, here's a revised look at this winter's free agent hitters. I also have trade candidates, non-tender candidates and future free agents listed.

Catchers

Jason Varitek (Red Sox) - Scott Boras can keep talking big, but since the Red Sox aren't going to bid against themselves, he simply has to find another interested party. The Dodgers aren't biting, and the Tigers have little money and bigger priorities. Meanwhile, the longer he opts to wait, the more likely it is that the Red Sox will pull off a trade for a young catcher. The Red Sox would probably prefer to have Varitek back even if they do go get a Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Miguel Montero, but it's not going to be for three or four years and a pay cut will have to be involved.

Ivan Rodriguez (Yankees) - Rodriguez will skate into the Hall of Fame once he's been retired for five years, but free agency has never gone quite as planned for the soon-to-be 37-year-old catcher. Following the 2002 season, he remained unsigned until the end of January before settling on a one-year deal with the Marlins. A year later, it looked like he might end up with a one-year deal again before he inked a four-year contract on Feb. 3 with a Tigers team coming off a 43-119 season. History suggests that Rodriguez will take the top offer on the table, regardless of where it comes from. Still, it doesn't seem very likely that anyone will go to two years. Both the Marlins and Tigers have openings, but neither team wants him back. If the Yankees offer him arbitration, it's quite likely that he'd accept it.

I'm guessing Blanco will join Varitek as the only catchers to get multiyear deals this winter. He could stay with the Cubs as Geovany Soto's backup, but it's also possible that the Tigers will look at him as a starter. … Detroit will probably end up signing two of these guys. I think Ross would be the best option as a regular, but pairing an upside guy like Barrett or Bard with a reliable defender in Blanco could work out well.

The Diamondbacks still appear more likely to trade Montero than Snyder, but with their financial situation seemingly fairly dire, they'll have to consider all possibilities. Given his defensive reputation and consecutive solid offensive seasons, Snyder could bring in a talented young arm, perhaps a Homer Bailey or Justin Masterson. … Shoppach, Clement and Teagarden all qualify as long shots to be dealt. The Rangers seem quite a bit more likely to part with Salty. … Paulino could be a cheap starter for Detroit or Florida. Judging by how they treated him in September, the Pirates won't ask for much in return.

Mark Teixeira (Angels) - Teixeira only further boosted his stock by hitting .358/.449/.632 in 193 at-bats for the Angels and then going 7-for-15 in his first postseason series versus the Red Sox. Still, the chances of him receiving an eight- to 10-year megadeal may have decreased. The Yankees seem to be focused more on pitching, and the Angels probably won't be willing to do such a lengthy contract. The Orioles or perhaps even the Nationals might, but if Teixeira wants to be on a team with a chance to win in 2009, he may have to settle for five or six years. While I think it's too early to count out the Yankees or Red Sox, it looks like the Angels are in the driver's seat. They have the money to commit to him with Francisco Rodriguez likely on the way out, and winning now is expected to be a priority for Teixeira.

Previous prediction: Yankees - nine years, $200 million New prediction: Angels - six years, $132 million

Jason Giambi (Yankees) - Giambi remains an offensive force, but his 876 OPS in 2008 was his worst in a healthy season since 1998 and he turns 38 in January. Also, it's a risky proposition signing him as a DH, considering his career OPS is 125 points worse there than when he's played first base. Fortunately, that really hasn't been an issue the last couple of years, suggesting that he's learned to adapt to spending most of the game in the dugout. He's even excelled in his very limited pinch-hitting opportunities lately, going 6-for-16 with three homers the last two years. Giambi would seem to be a very good fit in Toronto or in Texas if Milton Bradley leaves. Oakland stopped making sense as a destination with the Matt Holliday addition.

Nomar Garciaparra (Dodgers) - Garciaparra hasn't ruled out retirement at age 35, but after a poor 2007, he did contribute offensively when he was able to play last season. He was especially hot down the stretch, going 10-for-23 with two homers and six walks in September. He even managed not to embarrass himself when asked to return to shortstop, though his next team swon't look at him as more than an emergency option at the position. At this point, Garciaparra should be penciled in as a first baseman, third baseman or DH against lefties and part-time player versus righties. Three teams with left-handed hitting first basemen and injury-prone third basemen look like fits: Atlanta, Oakland and Toronto.

Hinske was one of the Rays' best hitters last season, but the team decided it had no use for him at all once the postseason rolled around. He'll likely move on, and he could help a White Sox team that's especially short on left-handed hitters after parting with Nick Swisher. … Floyd is expected to weigh retirement. If he comes back, it could be with the Rays. … Most of the rest of these guys are potential part-time players, but Thomas and Sexson are clear exceptions. They don't have anything to offer unless they're regulars, and it may be that neither will be guaranteed a job. I don't think Thomas is done as a useful DH, but there are so few possible fits for him. Sexson, at least, can still potentially hook up with an NL team. Maybe he'll join the Nationals as additional Nick Johnson/Dmitri Young insurance.

The Angels need to either play Morales or trade him. Another trip back to the PCL won't do him any good. It's possible thae he'd get a chance to stick around as a DH if Teixeira re-signs. … A Fielder trade is pretty unlikely, but he remains on the list. Ryan Howard, on the other hand, has been removed. He's completely safe following the Phillies' World Series victory. … The Royals are calling Mike Jacobs their new first baseman, but like Butler, he's a born DH. It's possible that they would move Butler if the right offer came along. They would, however, be crazy to sell him without getting another potential star in return. Butler for Saltalamacchia would actually make some sense for both teams.

Orlando Hudson (Diamondbacks) - Hudson has suffered season-ending injuries the last two years and played in 145 games just once in his six full years as a major leaguer, but that shouldn't prevent him from receiving a contract worth about $10 million per year. He had OPSs in the 800-820 range in all three of his seasons in Arizona, and he's still a fine defender, even if he's entered the phase of his career in which he's not going to deserve the Gold Glove awards he'll continue to win. The White Sox, Mets, Cardinals, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Cubs, Giants, Nationals, Royals, Padres and Rockies appear to be the teams most likely to sign second basemen this winter. The Indians and Mariners are also possibilities if they decide to rearrange their infields. Hudson would probably prefer to be with the Mets if the money is there, but my guess is that he ends up in the AL Central with the Indians or White Sox.

Jeff Kent (Dodgers) - Maybe he wouldn't be a full-time second baseman any longer, but Kent could almost certainly help a contender as a part-timer and his old team in San Francisco could do worse at first base. Still, he's probably going to call it a career at age 40. We could be looking at an unbelievably deep class of Hall of Fame candidates come 2014.

Previous prediction: RetirementNew prediction: Retirement

Felipe Lopez (Cardinals) - Lopez went from .234/.305/.314 in 325 at-bats for the Nationals to .385/.426/.538 in 156 at-bats for the Cardinals, putting him back in line for a starting job in 2009. Unfortunately, he seems to think that also entitles him to a multiyear contract, even though he was a pretty dreadful player for more than a year and a half previously. That no one is going to look at him as a starting shortstop hurts his chances of getting one. It still seems fairly likely that he'll end up back with the Cards on a one-year deal.

Ray Durham (Brewers) - Durham showed that his down 2007 was an aberration by hitting .289/.380/.432 for the Giants and Brewers last season, but he gives back with his glove everything that he contributes over the average second baseman with his bat. As an occasional starter at second, first and DH, he could be fairly valuable. He'd fit nicely with the Yankees, Royals and A's in the AL.

The Diamondbacks will likely go bargain hunting and could end up with two of these guys. Players like Grudzy, Loretta and Easley can't be counted on to start 140 games, but having two members of the group split time could work out fine. … Iguchi wants to play regularly, so he might end up back in Japan.

The Marlins have already traded four of their arbitration-eligible players, but they say they're keeping Uggla. Time will tell. … Roberts could be pursued by both Chicago teams and the Mets. The Orioles figure to make one more attempt to lock him up beyond 2009 before they consider dealing him. … Cano is likely to stay in New York. He's owed $25 million over the next three years, so it's quite possible the Padres would want nothing to do with him as part of a Jake Peavy deal.

Casey Blake (Dodgers) - The class of the third base market is 35, a mediocre defender and a career .233 hitter with RISP. Blake is coming off another solid year, and a team will be able to count on him for about 20 homers and 80 RBI. Still, under ideal circumstances, he'd be a stopgap, not someone who is going to require a long-term contract. The Twins, Indians and Dodgers are interested. The team that goes to three years will probably get him.

Previous prediction: Astros - three years, $18 millionNew prediction: Twins - three years, $16 million

Joe Crede (White Sox) - Crede can't be counted on because of his back, but his troubles there figure to guarantee that it won't take more than a one-year commitment to secure him and he's a better player than Blake when healthy. Besides the teams looking at Blake, the Rangers, Giants and Brewers could be in the mix for Crede. The White Sox aren't expected to make an attempt to re-sign him.

Dayan Viciedo (Cuba) - The 19-year-old Viciedo has been working out for teams and likely will land a major league contract later this winter. The White Sox are known to be interested, and Viciedo might like the idea of playing with fellow Cuban defector Alexei Ramirez. However, Viciedo is still very young and isn't likely to make an impact in 2009.

Vazquez has a chance of ending up with a starting job at second base, but he belongs in a utility role. A multiyear deal is a possibility after his strong 2008. The Rangers would surely like to have him back. … No one else here figures to find work as a starter. Lamb is better than he showed in 2008 and should have a significant role on some NL team's bench, but his glove is a problem at third base. Branyan still qualifies as an adequate platoon guy, but no team figures to give him that opportunity until injuries strike.

Wigginton had a career year with the bat, but the Astros soured on him as a third baseman and moved him to left after Carlos Lee went down. If the right offer comes along, they could move him and then go after Blake or Crede. … Encarnacion seems more likely to switch positions than teams. The Reds could look to move him to the outfield, though it'd take acquiring another third baseman. … The Rockies would have to listen if the right young pitcher was offered for Stewart, but they're far more likely to trade Atkins.

Rafael Furcal (Dodgers) - It may seem like bad timing, considering that he had his worst year in 2007 and then played in just 36 games in 2008, but Furcal is poised to receive another big contract as a free agent. He might be one of the best buys available anyway. Furcal was terrific when healthy last year, and he's still in his prime at age 31. The Dodgers, Orioles, A's, Giants, Tigers, Braves, Cubs, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Royals and Twins are all in the market for shortstops, so Furcal should get the four-year deal he wants. While the A's are making a strong run, the odds are good that he'll stay in the NL.

Previous prediction: Dodgers - four years, $60 millionNew prediction: Dodgers - four years, $56 million

Orlando Cabrera (White Sox) - Cabrera gave the White Sox about what they should have expected after coming over for Jon Garland, but the team has no interest in bringing him back for another year. At 34, Cabrera is the oldest of the three notable shortstops available. However, he'd seem to have more years left at the position than Edgar Renteria. He's durable, consistent and capable of hitting just about anywhere in the order. Perhaps he's not worth quite what he'll go for, but teams will pay extra for that sense of security.

Previous prediction: Cardinals - three years, $33 millionNew prediction: Athletics - three years, $33 million

Edgar Renteria (Tigers) - The Tigers declined to pay the $9 million to keep Renteria for an additional year after he was at least as disappointing defensively as offensively in his year in Detroit. He probably belongs at third base, but it's questionable whether he still has the bat to carry the position. It figures that he will bounce back offensively if he returns to the National League. Both of his seasons in the AL have been clear failures. The Cardinals would like to have him back, and San Francisco could be another fit.

Previous prediction: None New prediction: Cardinals - three years, $27 million

David Eckstein (Diamondbacks) - Eckstein shifted over to second base after a trade to Arizona and should remain at the position. However, there's currently more demand for shortstops and a team like the Tigers or Braves could stick him there for a year if other plans fall through. It's still more likely that he'll end up as a second baseman.

The A's want to move on from Crosby, preferably to Furcal. The Orioles would be smart to see whether a change of scenery would do the former Rookie of the Year any good. … It looks like the Brewers are leaning towards keeping Hardy for another year. Turning the starting job over to Alcides Escobar in 2009 would likely result in a massive downgrade on offense. … The Red Sox will seek to move Lugo in an exchange of bad contracts. Lugo to Detroit for Dontrelle Willis or Nate Robertson is being talked about right now.

Manny Ramirez (Dodgers) - It looks like agent Scott Boras is prepared to let this one drag out, but that might be a poor strategy in this case. The further removed we get from Ramirez's incredible 2 ½ month run for the Dodgers, the more everyone will start to remember just how he orchestrated his exit from Boston. Ramirez will certainly get his money, but he'll probably have to settle for a three- or four-year deal if he wants to play for an immediate contender. With the big spenders more interested in Teixeira at the moment, it's hard to tell just who will join the Dodgers as the finalists for his services. The Yankees, Angels, Mets and Phillies have yet to rule him out, and it's possible the Giants, Nationals or Orioles will decide to make a huge run.

Previous prediction: Phillies - four years, $80 millionNew prediction: Giants - four years, $88 million

Adam Dunn (Diamondbacks) - While it's still very early, we're once again seeing little attention paid to Dunn, the only player in the majors to hit at least 40 homers in each of the last five seasons. No one wanted him at the trade deadline before the Diamondbacks finally picked him up in August, and it's possible that the long-term deal he deserves will remain out of reach in his first go at free agency. Arizona doesn't have the money to re-sign him. The one GM that might really want him, Jim Bowden, has already created an outfield logjam by picking up Josh Willingham. Unless the Mets, Braves or White Sox step up with surprising bids, he could well take a one-year deal from a team like the Indians or Yankees.

Bobby Abreu (Yankees) - Perhaps he's slowing down, but Abreu is still a fine all-around player and that's not likely to change over the next two or three seasons. For what it's worth, he's younger than either Ramirez or Blake. The Yankees will probably choose to move on, but the Cubs or Mets may step forward with a two- or three-year deal. If not, Abreu could always choose to accept arbitration.

Previous prediction: Mets - two years, $28 millionNew prediction: Cubs - two years, $30 million

Pat Burrell (Phillies) - Burrell may be inconsistent from month to month, but he keeps putting up the same numbers every year and averaging right around 150 games per season. He appears worthy of a three-year deal at age 32, and he doesn't need to become an American League DH just yet. The Phillies could face competition from NL East rivals Atlanta and New York as they attempt to keep him, and he'd be a great fit for Tampa Bay's lineup if the team could come up with the cash. It's anticipated that he'll want to stay on the East Coast.

Previous prediction: Braves - three years, $40 millionNew prediction: Phillies - three years, $33 million

Raul Ibanez (Mariners) - Ibanez has averaged a .291-26-113 line the last three years, so it's not surprising that he's commanding serious attention. However, he's set to turn 37 in June and he's a bigger liability defensively than either Ramirez or Burrell. He doesn't necessarily need to become a DH, but he'd likely be quite a bit more valuable at first base than in left field. Of course, that's not expected to prevent the Mets and Cubs from bidding.

Previous prediction: Angels - two years, $20 millionNew prediction: Mets - two years, $24 million

Milton Bradley (Rangers) - All Bradley did last season was lead the American League with a .436 OBP and a 999 OPS. The problem is that he did primarily as a DH, and even then, he managed to play in just 126 games. Bradley has taken part in 130 games once in his career, and there are serious questions about whether he'll ever again be able to serve as a full-time outfielder. If he's only an option for AL teams, then the Blue Jays, Rangers and Rays look like the best bets to sign him.

Previous prediction: Rays - three years, $30 millionNew prediction: Rays - two years, $20 million

Ken Griffey Jr. (White Sox) - Griffey intends to keep playing, but he won't be any team's top priority after he lost nearly 100 points of OPS on his way to a .249/.353/.424 season in 2008. On the plus side, he has played in 140 games two years in a row. The Braves could do a whole lot worse in left field. A return to Seattle might be a possibility, but it's hard to see how it's in either party's best interests.

Juan Rivera (Angels) - The sleeper of the outfield class, Rivera hit .310/.362/.525 for the Angels in 2006 before blowing out his knee playing winter ball. He was limited to 43 at-bats in 2007, and he struggled while being used inconsistently last year, though he did improve in the second half. He should be good for 20 homers next year if he lands in the right situation.

Previous prediction: Mariners - two years, $11 millionNew prediction: Mariners - two years, $11 million

Jim Edmonds (Cubs) - A complete bust for the Padres in early going, Edmonds rebounded to hit .256/.369/.568 in 250 at-bats for the Cubs. He's below average in center field these days, and he shouldn't start against left-handers. However, he's probably worth about $8 million on a one-year deal. There's talk of the Yankees signing him to take over in center field. Alternatively, the Brewers could trade Mike Cameron to the Yankees and then sign Edmonds, giving them the additional left-handed bat they need.

Garret Anderson (Angels) - The Angels declined Anderson's $14 million option and are prepared to let him move on after 15 seasons. Anderson hasn't reached 20 homers or driven in 100 runs since 2003. He's had an 800 OPS just once since then, and that happened in 108 games in 2007. Anderson probably won't have trouble landing a starting job, but he should play the rest of his career on one-year deals.

Mark Kotsay (Red Sox) - Kotsay looks like a weaker option than Edmonds as a stopgap center fielder, but his leadership and toughness will probably earn him another starting job. If not, he'll be prized as a bench player. He really hurt the Red Sox offensively in the postseason, but he did play an outstanding first base.

Rocco Baldelli (Rays) - Forced to decide back in March, the Rays declined to pay $4 million to hold on to Baldelli for 2009. Fortunately for them, the price probably hasn't changed measurably. Maybe he'd take closer to $3 million to stay with the team he's spent his entire career with, but a club with a bigger budget could go to $4 million or even $5 million. There's no way Baldelli can be counted on as a regular, but he'd make a lot of sense as a 10th man for a team like the Red Sox, Yankees or Angels.

Alou would probably be a real asset as an AL DH if he could stay healthy, but he's likely to opt for retirement. … Most of the other guys here will be looking to latch on as bench players. Payton is the one capable of commanding a multiyear deal, but his ugly 2008 won't help his case.

The Dodgers are likely to be stuck with Jones through spring training at least, but they might be able to get rid of Pierre in exchange for another bad contract. I rather like the idea of Pierre to Seattle for Carlos Silva. … Hermida could be the fifth arbitration-eligible Marlin to be traded, but the team will demand more for in return for him than it has received in any of their deals so far. He'll probably stick around. … The Nats would almost certainly love to trade Kearns and roll his money into an offer to Ramirez or Teixeira. However, they'd probably have to take back a contract like Adam Eaton's from Philadelphia or Miguel Batista's from Seattle. … I don't think there's much to these Teahen-to-the-Cubs rumors. The Royals should seriously consider moving DeJesus instead. All indications are that they're not thrilled with his defense in centet, and he just wouldn't be all that valuable as a left fielder.